New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-11-18
THE COMING CONGRESS.

In less than three weeks from
this time the new Congress will
have begun its first session. Or
ganizaton will probably not be delayed, for the
reelection of Speaker Carlisle, Notwithstanding
thc fact that his scat is contested. seems to be
universally expected. Neither Mr. Randall nor
any other Democratic candidate appears to be
in position to oppose him strongly. especially
since his declaration in favor Of the Presidents
denomination and the consultation which re-
suited in determination to make tariff rcduc-
ton the great feature of the Administration
policy this winter. 1t is already announced
that Mr.. Mills. Of Texas, a man even moro
radical as a Free Trader than Mr.. Morrison will
probably be appointed chairman of the Com
mittee on Ways and Means. Then too, il is
said that the Administration advises and Mr..
Carlisle consents to cripple the Republican
minority on that committee, which has been
particularly strong contrasting forcibly with
the Democratic contingent, by the exclusion of
some able and experienced members, and the
selection Of other Republicans who know no
more about the tariff. if possible, than Demo-
cratic members. OF the patriotism or the hon
csty Of thus dcpriving IA large minority of repre-
may prefer, nothing need be said a party
which puts Mr.. Carlisle into his scat by the
methods employed in the Kentucky election,
and then chooses him Speaker with contest
unhcard involving his right to a scat, is TO be
expected to take any other step, however in
decent or contrary to the public welfare which
may be supposed nccdful to partisan success.
With the House thus organized and n COM
mittec thus packed in the interest Of free trade,
bill to reduce duties on imports is expected
to be presented Immediately after the opening
Of the session. Then will begin the usual agita-
tloh and alarm, and it is noteworthy that several
British journals have already printed hopeful
spcculahonS about the action Of Congress. cX-
pressing belief that the influence Of the Ad-
ministration viii secure changes Of the utmost
importance to British producers and merchants
II is undcniablc that the success Of the Demo-
cratic party in this State strongly encourages
the radical frcc-tIadc element. supporting the
claim that NcwYorl and other Eastern States
can be carried for Mr.. Cleveland even if an UNI
miStakablc frcc-tradc policy is adopted. In
the anticipation Of such a change Of duties,
British efforts to get control Of American mar
kcts will be rcdoubicd, purchasers will be en-
cOuragcd to wait for lower prices. and manufact-
urcrs here will be compelled to produce at a
risk or not at ALL The fear Of change has been
so often aroused by Democratic agitation, and
the long agitation has so often ended in the
defeat Of frcc-tradc bills that the interruption
OF business this winter may be less than il has
been on other occasions. But the Democratic
members are not likely to confnc their dis
turbing cndcavors to the tariff question. De-
tcrmncd to make political capital in some way
ont Of the railroad question, and seeing that
the Interstate Act has not yet accomplished
much that the House intended to accomplish
they arc likely to propose more stringent pro-
visions. Land grant railroads will also be as
sailed as usual. In short. Democrat ic Congress
generally disturbs things. and this one, by way
Of preparation for a Presidential election, is
likely to disturb more than usual. But the
country has become used to Democratic meas
urcs and threats. and has learned &c place much
confidence in the Republican Senate.
Happily for the country. it is still a Rcpub-
lican Senate, though the division of parties is
SO close that one or two members could turn
the scale. Those who desire to prevent mis-
arm Republican Senators with reasons for stead
fast opposition. The Democratic aeators. il
cannot be denied, indulge strong hopes that
they can get some tariff reduction accomplished
this winter. But they cannot succeed unless
some Republicans are willing to help them.